12-year-old and 15-year-old boys arrested in shooting death of convenience store worker, police say

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KPTV/Gray News) – A 12-year-old and 15-year-old in Washington state have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a convenience store last month.

The Portland Police Bureau said 33-year-old Santi Ram Rai was shot and killed while working at a convenience store in Portland on Dec. 9.

Investigators identified two suspects living in Vancouver.

Detectives, along with Vancouver and Clark County law enforcement said the two boys were then arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

The 12-year-old and 15-year-old suspects have been booked into the Robert L. Harris Juvenile Justice Center.

Officials said the 12-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder and the 15-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder along charges of first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Authorities said the two boys are also facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a stolen motor vehicle for criminal behavior in the Vancouver area.